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Hook Pass in Basketball: Basic Information Explained

What is the hook pass in basketball

The hook pass consists of offensive action that occurs when a player in possession of the basketball propels it through the air with a throwing motion that is somewhat similar to a hook, which could then lead to scoring or playmaking opportunities.

Also, the hook pass usually happens as a player dribbles the ball towards the basket and its potential receiver is commonly another player near the perimeter areas of the court.

However, a possible target of the hook pass could also cut to the basket in certain sequences as well.

What is the typical motion of the hook pass

In reference to the typical motion of the hook pass, the player in possession of the ball should move their throwing arm above their head, snap their wrist, and release the ball towards the potential receiver.

Also, in general, at the point of release, the throwing arm should be slightly above the forehead or near the front of the face and the elbow should be bent as well.

It should also be stated that the player should snap their wrist and bend their elbow because this can increase the power, speed, and velocity of the hook pass.

As a result, it could become possibly more difficult for one or more defenders to deflect and/or intercept the ball.

Why is the hook pass potentially effective

The hook pass is potentially effective because it involves somewhat of a misdirection action in that the ball would be dribbled towards or near one side of the court but afterwards, the ball would be swiftly passed towards the opposite direction and presumably, away from one or more relevant defenders.

Furthermore, due to the throwing motion of the hook pass, it is generally faster to execute than basic passes such as the chest pass, bounce pass, or overhead pass.

In other words, when executing the hook pass, the player in possession of the ball does not need to pivot and turn towards the potential receiver as they would with the basic passes.

As a result, the defense may be slower to react, particularly with defensive closeouts, which could lead to easier offensive scoring or playmaking opportunities.

When is a suitable time to use the hook pass

A suitable time to consider using the hook pass is during dribble penetration, particularly towards the basket via the key.

Basically, when dribble penetration occurs, especially towards the key, the help defense as well as the on-ball defender will most likely collapse towards the paint to protect the basket.

When that occurs, one or more offensive players without the ball, especially near the perimeter areas, and particularly on the weak side of the ball would be open.

Following that, the player with the ball could utilize the hook pass to move it quickly to one of those off-ball offensive players.

Moreover, the hook pass could also be useful, particularly during pick and roll or pick and pop action.

As an example, let’s say that offensive player A is in possession of the ball and that same player receives a pick from offensive player B.

Let’s also say that the on-ball defender guarding player A fights over the screen and at the same time, the screener’s defender executes a defensive hedge tactic or a switch tactic in an attempt to hinder dribble penetration.

In certain instances if that were to happen, then player A could execute a quick hook pass when player B rolls to the basket before the on-ball defender and/or the screener’s defender are able to recover.

As another example, let’s say that offensive player A with the ball receives a pick from offensive player B as before.

Furthermore, let’s also say that while the on-ball defender fights through the screen, the screener’s defender executes drop coverage in an attempt to nullify the roll action.

However, to counter that drop coverage, let’s say that player B pops away from the ball behind the three-point line.

From that point, player B could receive the ball for a possible open jump shot via a hook pass thrown by player A.

In theory, this jump shot would be a viable option because there is enough space between player B and the drop coverage defender after the pop action.


Related: Hook Pass – Off the Dribble – YouTube